Zenaida Miriam Artiles Posada, better known as Miriam, is a passionate retired educator. She believes that children need to maintain strong ties to their cultural values as well as the joy of learning. Miriam was born in a small town, La Esperanza, in Santa Clara, Cuba. She emigrated to the United States in 1955 and later established herself in a small town, Vega Alta, in Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico and later completed her postgraduate degrees at the University of Connecticut. Her tenure in education includes teaching positions in San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and New Haven, Connecticut. She held positions at the administrative level such as school principal, program coordinator, and Director of Instruction. Such an educational journey afforded her the true understanding of how children embrace different learning styles. In addition, she realized the need to instill in children the respect and pride for their culture as well as respect for the host country.Miriam has been awarded numerous recognitions that include Teachers, Administrators, and Parents Award in New Haven, CT; Recognition as an Outstanding Educator by the University of Connecticut, Award by the National Hispanic Heritage Organization; The League of Latin American Citizens Council; Award from Fiestas de Loiza in Ct; A Puerto Rican Expression of Three Cultures; Recognition by the City of New Haven Board of Aldermen, however, the most valuable recognition to Miriam was awarded by her students in 1988 at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, Ct. She has held positions in numerous boards such as the Board for Farnham House, Salvation Army, New Haven Puerto Rican Parade and founding member of Arte Inc in New Haven, Ct. Presently she is a VIP Member of AIPEH, Inc. International Association of Poets and Hispanic Writers. Miriam continues to support her former students as their mentor and life long friend. She describes her love for her former students as her "grandes amores", cherished loves. Inspired by them, she has been motivated to write books that highlight cultural values and traditions. She hopes to continue to inspire others to embrace learning joy as they also cherish cultural values.